April is National Parkinson's Awareness Month
Nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder. Symptoms generally develop slowly over years and the progression of symptoms is often different from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease.
Heidi Aderhold began experiencing tremors in her right leg, and a rigid gait on her right side six years ago. She saw many physicians, but Parkinson’s was previously ruled out because she was a woman and so young. When Heidi started physical therapy for back pain, her physical therapist questioned some things. Heidi was referred to a neurologist and had an MRI. At that time three years ago, she received a diagnosis of early onset Parkinson’s at the age of 45.
She is an Education Specialist at the Center for Disabilities. She disclosed she had Parkinson’s to her direct supervisor very early in her role at the Center for Disabilities. Heidi states, “In disclosing, I found an incredible amount of caring, acceptance, and support. It allowed me to take a deep breath, let go of any anxiety I had around Parkinson’s and my job, and I felt so safe. It was really encouraging to me and I am incredibly thankful!”
Heidi is comfortable going to her supervisor with any job accommodations she may need. She has many doctor appointments, so having flexible hours is very important. Heidi may have someone else take notes or type if she is feeling fatigued or moving slower.
Heidi has always been active and enjoys exercising. Exercise can help with her symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Digestion can also be affected, so Heidi avoids certain foods and eats more foods that agree with her.
When her life is less stressful, she experiences fewer symptoms. Heidi has participated in some webinar trainings about Parkinson’s to learn more and hear others’ experiences.
Thank you, Heidi, for sharing your story as a person with Parkinson’s!
Effective Interaction Through Etiquette Training
Offering Disability Etiquette training to your employees is a great way to make your business a welcoming place for your staff and your customers with disabilities. People with disabilities are the largest minority group in the world. If you want to learn ways to interact more effectively with people with various disabilities, disability etiquette training is for you.
Practicing disability etiquette is an easy way to create an environment where everyone in the workplace can thrive. Basic tips and best practices are offered to help eliminate some of the fears that exist when communicating with people with disabilities.
Recently, Employment Disability Resources offered Disability Etiquette training to employees at Sanford Health and the HelpLine Center. These six presentations reached 170+ people.
Below are a few quotes from employees at the HelpLine Center:
- “The training was informative and lighthearted! I love that it acknowledges our connectedness and common humanity while also highlighting our differences and uniqueness. Vicki is a great trainer, bringing best practices and up to date information along with her own personal experiences. She makes it a safe space for conversation and questions without judgement.” – Isabella (Bella) Oliver, Volunteer Connections Manager
- “‘Nothing about us without us’ and ‘If you want to know how to help, just ask,’ were two quotes that stood out to me.” – Lindsay Hoge, Peer Support Specialist
- “The Disability Etiquette training offered valuable, real-world guidance on how to respectfully support individuals of all abilities within our community. Vicki was an engaging and insightful presenter, blending factual information with personal stories that made the session both informative and approachable. Her authentic and light-hearted approach helped foster a deeper understanding of inclusion and accessibility.” – Abby Vreugdenhil, Database Projects Specialist.
If you are interested in having Disability Etiquette training at your business or organization, please contact Vicki Stewart at [email protected] or 605-215-1760.
Below are photos taken at the Sanford Health training.
Employment Disability Resources is proud to offer the Disability Inclusion Partner program!
In partnership with the Sioux Falls Disability Awareness and Accessibility Review Board (DAARB), we give local businesses who employ one or more people with disabilities an award to acknowledge and celebrate their diverse, inclusive workplace culture. Watch for the “Disability Inclusion Partner” sticker on the doors of local businesses.
Businesses that recently received a Disability Inclusion Partner award:
- Toy Lending Library
- Metro Communications
For more information about employing individuals with disabilities, please contact:
Vicki Stewart, Executive Director
Employment Disability Resources
2900 W. 11th Street, Suite 101, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605-215-1760 or [email protected]
